Segment Ring, Hinged Body Piercing Jewellery

What is a segment ring?

Segment ring piercing jewellery is a hinged or segmented hoop often made from a metal such as surgical steel that can be inserted into a variety of piercings to give a smooth shape. A smooth segment ring is most commonly used in cartilage piercings (including nose) but can also be used for other piercings that are traditionally worn with a hoop such as lip and genital piercings.

In fact, lip piercings are a popular area to wear ring jewellery such as a hinged lip ring and a segment lip ring. Switch out your labret for a hoop in all or some of your ‘bites’ lip piercings for a classic alt look.

A popular look is to wear segment earrings in your cartilage ear piercings or lobes. This unbroken ring is visually stunning and perfect for pairing with other piercing jewellery to create a gorgeous ear piercing constellation.

You can even wear a segment nose ring once your nose piercing has fully healed. The great thing about a segment ring clicker for a nostril piercing is that it is easy to clean the jewellery without needing to remove it every time. The other benefit is that it is unlikely to fall out like some nose rings because it is fastened securely.

A common alternative option to the segment ring jewellery is a BCR (Ball Closure Ring). The benefit of using a segment ring is that it is less bulky and can, therefore, lie flat making them particularly attractive for use in ear, nose, and other facial piercings. This also means you don’t have anything pushing into your skin in the same way the ball of a BCR would.

Another benefit of using a segment ring piercing is that it is easy to clean due to the complete 360 rotation thanks to the smooth finish.

Segment rings are available in a range of materials which are suited to both healed and healing piercings. Your piercer is likely to initially use a titanium segment ring in your healing piercing or they may suggest wearing a stud or BCR until the piercing has healed before swapping to a titanium clicker ring. Titanium is one of the most popular materials for piercing due to its durability and hypoallergenic nature but you can also get gold segment ring and surgical steel hoops for your piercing.

Hinged Segment Ring

How do you take out a hinged segment ring?

There are two types of segment ring. The type that is easiest to insert yourself is the hinged segment ring. This means that the moving section that allows you to insert your jewellery is attached at one end using a small hinge. This makes it easier to reassemble the hoop once it is in your piercing by simply pushing the free end into the ring and squeezing it to close the ring.

How do you open a segment ring?

The classic segment ring can be more challenging to insert as a section of the ring completely comes away to allow you to put on the jewellery. This segment ring how to put in requires a pair of pliers which is why we recommend only inserting this type of jewellery yourself if you are experienced with body jewellery. How do you take out a closed hoop nose ring? Make sure you use a sanitised jewellery-specific pair of pliers to handle your jewellery. The pliers are a handy tool when opening segment rings but it is best to gently squeeze the sections back together using your fingers once inserted to avoid harming the piercing site.

If you are considering trying out segment ring body jewellery then our suggestion is to use a traditional segment ring if you don’t intend to regularly change your jewellery as this will sit securely in your piercing. However, if you love to frequently switch it up it is best to try out a hinged segment ring for an easier change.

Before purchasing your new jewellery make sure to check the size/gauge of your piercing so you can make sure you will receive a hoop that will comfortably fit. For example, a segment ring Prince Albert will need to be a different size compared to a segment ring septum.

As you can see the segment ring can be a great way to enjoy an awesome aesthetic as well as an easy cleaning routine. This segment hoop piercing is the perfect choice for those who love dainty hassle-free jewellery.

Seamless Rings

In the same family of ring and hoop jewellery, we have the seamless ring which can be used in a range of piercings so is very useful to add to your collection.

What is a seamless ring?

Seamless rings feature a continuous hoop with a small gap in order to insert and remove the jewellery. They are easily inserted by simply twisting the ring apart and then gently squeezing it back together once you have placed it into your piercing.

If you like to regularly change your piercing jewellery then a seamless ring may be easier to use than a segment ring.

Seamless rings are most commonly used in nose piercings. A seamless septum ring or nostril ring is easy to insert and gives a continuous line to the piercing jewellery for a stunning aesthetic. You can also wear a seamless lip ring for a similar effect. These are most commonly used in ‘bites’ lip piercings such as snake bites, angel bites, canine bites, and more.

There are many types of piercing rings but the segment ring is fast becoming the frontrunner due to the simple yet stunning design that is easy to clean and will stay securely in your piercing.

Picking Out Segment Rings

It is important to choose the right size and material for your piercing jewellery as your body may react differently to different materials. Getting the right size of segment ring is important for the health of your piercing.

Size: Segment rings are measured by the diameter and gauge of the ring. The first number is the gauge (displayed in mm) and the second is the diameter e.g. 1.2 x 10mm.
Material: Choosing a high quality material such as titanium will provide you with a hypoallergenic material that is perfect for everyday use. Surgical steel is also a good choice for healed piercings as it is durable.

Inserting/Removing Segment Rings

Before handling your piercing, always make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap.

Changing a segment ring is a simple process that can be done at home but if you would like help, especially the first time, then it is best to visit a piercer.

It is important to be patient and not attempt to change your piercing jewellery before the wound is fully healed as this can cause complications. However, once it has healed you can start exploring your options.

To remove your segment ring, hold the main section of the hoop and gently pull it apart in order to release the removable section of the segment ring. If you are removing a hinged segment ring then gently release the movable end of the hoop and you will be able to lift it away using the hinge. Once the ring is open you can gently slide it out of your piercing.

It is important to note that segment rings should be slightly pulled apart whereas seamless rings are best removed by twisting the hoop rather than pulling each end away from the other.

When inserting your new segment ring make sure to push the ring gently through the piercing hole. You can then insert the removable section and squeeze the ends together to hold it firmly in place. Once your piercing jewellery is secure you can gently move the ring to the most suitable and comfortable position.

Where can you use segment rings?

Segment rings are an incredibly versatile type of piercing jewellery that can be used in many different types of piercing. You can wear a segment ring in:

Anti Tragus
Auricle
Conch
Daith
Lobe
Helix
Orbital
Pinna
Rook
Snug
Spiral
Tragus
Eyebrow
Canine Bites
Cyber Bites
Labret
Medusa
Shark Bites
Snake Bites
Spider Bites
Viper Bites
Smiley
Nostril
Septum
Navel
Nipple

Other Guides & Ranges

Please Note: Blue Banana piercing information is based on knowledge from our experiences as one of the UK's top piercing studios. All details provided should be read alongside professional advice. Please see our full Piercing Articles Disclaimer, here.